IT WAS a difficult afternoon for Reading FC yesterday (Saturday) as they were thumped 4-0 by Premier League side Crystal Palace.

Royals' final chance to bag a pre-season win ended in tatters thanks to goals by Wilfried Zaha (brace), Alexander Sorloth and James Tomkins.

Liam Kelly stood out for Paul Clement's side in what was a poor performance at Madejski Stadium overall.

Here is how we thought the players got on.

Mannone: 4/10 - Not the best day for Mannone. In truth he was not helped by Reading’s lacklustre defending but it is hard to praise a goalkeeper after a hammering.

Gunter: 5/10 - Some good link-up play on the left in the opening 30 minutes but was forced to withdraw early on. Hopefully nothing too serious.

Yiadom: 5/10 - Some good runs down the wing but was too easily beaten by Zaha for Palace’s first goal. Has impressed in pre-season overall though and I would expect him to get the nod against Derby on Friday.

McShane: 5/10 - Commanding at the back and enforced Reading’s shape well for most of the match. Some decent interceptions from the skipper but Reading struggled to cope with Palace’s attacking players. Zaha in particular proved to be a real handful.

Ilori: 5/10 - Reasonably solid performance at the back but in truth Reading struggled to contain Alexander Sorloth. Should have done better with a free-header at the near post when Royals were trailing by two.

Meyler: 6/10 -  Protected the back four well at times but had his hands full with Zaha who caused Reading’s defence all manner of problems. Felt he grew into the game as it went on, seems to have a knack of being in the right place at the right time.

Swift: 5/10 - Had creative spells but the final pass was often misplaced. Looks far more comfortable playing just behind the striker rather than in a deeper role as we have seen previously. Should have scored at a key moment early in the second-half but opted to take a touch instead.

Kelly: 8/10 - A joy to watch as he stood out in midfield for me. Greats runs, lovely passes and brilliant link-up play with his teammates. A trick that Messi would have been proud of in the second half too. Desperately unlucky not to score in the second half but overall and incredible promising performance. Definitely my man of the match (for Reading).

Barrow: 6/10 - Frightening as ever down the left wing with so much pace and energy. Lacked end product today but overall a decent afternoon for Barrow.

Aluko: 5/10 - As always, his movement is fantastic but he lacks the final pass. Cannot help but feel he is still lacking confidence.

Meite: 5/10 - Made a nuisance of himself but in truth lacked service up front. Still not entirely convinced he is a centre forward but without the delivery it is hard to tell. Looking forward to seeing him get more game time.

Clement: 5/10 - Came on for the last 20 minutes and made some decent runs but in truth the game was already over. Hoped to have seen more of him.

Bodvarsson: 5/10 - Had a chance to put Reading back in with a shout and in truth should have done better. Good link-up play between him and McNulty.

McNulty: 5/10 - Looked hungry when he was introduced but again the service was not really there to justify criticising him for not scoring. Had a chance right at the end and probably should have done better.

Blackett: 5/10 - Actually quite impressed with Blackett’s 20-minute cameo. Stood his ground well and looked much more comfortable on the ball than we have seen in recent weeks. Slotted in well at centre back too when McShane was receiving treatment.

Richards: 5/10 - Struggled to deal with Townsend who continued to get the better of him when he cut infield. Still young and tough opposition to deal with. Sure we will see some far better performances.

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